Honey garlic chicken is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. With tender chicken coated in a delicious honey garlic glaze, it’s an easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re using chicken thighs or breasts, this recipe is simple to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
Key Benefits
Honey garlic chicken isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with benefits that make it a standout dish for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a flavorful meal in a hurry.
- Flavorful & Versatile: The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet and savory glaze that pairs well with almost any side dish, making it a versatile option for any meal. You can easily customize it by adding spices or herbs to suit your taste.
- Perfect for All Chicken Cuts: Whether you prefer chicken thighs, breasts, or wings, this recipe works with all cuts, offering juicy, tender chicken every time.
- A Hit with Everyone: The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it a family favorite. It’s guaranteed to please even picky eaters, making it a great option for family dinners or gatherings.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Honey garlic chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days. It’s easy to reheat and enjoy later, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
By incorporating honey, garlic, and your choice of chicken, this recipe combines convenience, flavor, and versatility into one irresistible dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or sesame seeds
Instructions
Making honey garlic chicken is simple and quick, but the result is a flavorful dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Follow these easy steps to create a mouthwatering meal everyone will love:
Prep the Chicken:
Begin by gently patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the honey garlic glaze stick better and ensures a crispy texture. You can use chicken thighs, breasts, or wings, depending on your preference.
Cook the Chicken:
Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side (depending on thickness) until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
Meanwhile, whisk together the ingredients for the sauce:
¼ cup of honey
3 tablespoons of soy sauce
3 minced garlic cloves
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked through, lower the heat to medium and pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
Finish and Serve:
Take the chicken out of the skillet and place it on a plate. Spoon some of the extra sauce from the skillet over the top, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds for a little extra flavor and color.
Enjoy!
Serve the honey garlic chicken with your favorite side dishes, like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The rich glaze makes it incredibly versatile, so feel free to pair it with anything that complements its sweet and savory profile.
And there you have it—an easy, flavorful honey garlic chicken recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Pro Tips
To make sure your honey garlic chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken for Extra Flavor:
If you have the option, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The skin crisps up beautifully, and the bones help lock in moisture, making the chicken even juicier. Plus, the flavor is more intense!
Perfect the Honey Garlic Glaze:
To achieve the perfect glaze, make sure to simmer the sauce long enough to thicken. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it reduce for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to burn it. Keep stirring to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan.
Customize the Heat:
Want a little kick? Stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for an added kick. For a milder flavor, stick with just the garlic and honey—let the sweetness shine.
Rest the Chicken Before Serving:
Once your chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite tender and full of flavor.
Meal Prep-Friendly:
Honey garlic chicken is great for meal prep! You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and drizzle the extra sauce over the top.
Serve with Rice or Veggies:
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green vegetable like broccoli or snap peas. The glaze also works wonderfully on roasted sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower.
With these tips, you’ll be able to elevate your honey garlic chicken to the next level and make it your go-to recipe for a quick, flavorful meal!
Variations
One of the best things about honey garlic chicken is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or accommodate whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Honey Garlic Chicken with a Citrus Twist:
Add a bit of freshness to your honey garlic sauce by squeezing in some orange or lemon juice. The citrus adds a bright, zesty note that balances out the sweetness and works wonderfully with the savory garlic flavor.
Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken:
For a little heat, toss in some chopped fresh chili peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce to your sauce mix. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick alongside sweet and savory elements.
Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry:
Make this dish even more filling by adding stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, broccoli, or snap peas. You can cook the veggies in the same pan as the chicken to soak up the flavorful glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Honey garlic chicken is incredibly versatile, so you can pair it with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas to make your dish even more satisfying:
Steamed Rice:
A classic pairing! The fluffy, mild flavor of steamed rice perfectly complements the sweet and savory glaze of honey garlic chicken. It soaks up the sauce, making each bite even more delicious.
Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers are a great match for this dish. The natural sweetness of the vegetables enhances the honey garlic flavor, and the crisp edges provide a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken.
Mashed Potatoes:
For a comforting side, try serving honey garlic chicken with mashed potatoes. The creamy potatoes balance the richness of the sauce and create a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.
FAQs
What is honey garlic sauce made of?
Honey garlic sauce is a simple, flavorful combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version), and a few other ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice for balance. The honey provides sweetness, while garlic adds a savory depth, and soy sauce brings an umami kick. Some variations also include ginger or chili flakes for a little extra heat.
What does honey do to chicken meat?
Honey helps to tenderize the chicken while adding a natural sweetness. When cooked, it caramelizes slightly, forming a beautiful glaze that enhances the chicken’s flavor. Honey also helps lock in moisture, making the chicken juicy and tender.
What goes with honey garlic chicken?
Honey garlic chicken pairs wonderfully with a wide range of side dishes. Some great options include steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, and even a simple green salad. These sides complement the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken and create a balanced, satisfying meal.
How to thicken honey garlic sauce for chicken?
To thicken the honey garlic sauce, you can simmer it on low heat until it reduces and becomes thicker. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.